Baloch People Attacked by Frontier Corps in Balochistan
On July 28, several Baloch people traveling on a bus through the Shaal area in the Mastung district of Balochistan were reportedly attacked by the Frontier Corps (FC). The passengers included elderly women and children. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that the bus was targeted, resulting in shattered windows and many injuries.
In a post on X, the BYC stated, “Our bus of Baloch National Gathering Shaal, carrying women and children, was targeted by FC forces in Mastung. Windows shattered, and many were injured, including elderly women and children. We call upon the international community to speak up against Pakistan’s brutality.”
Exiled Baloch leaders across the globe have condemned the state-backed brutalities inflicted by Pakistan upon the Baloch community. Brahumdagh Bugti, in a post on X, said, “I strongly condemn the attack by Pakistani forces on Baloch civilians in Mastung. Forces fired at vehicles of protesters who were on their way to attend a public gathering in Gwadar, resulting in several injuries due to indiscriminate firing. This brutal action demonstrates how Pakistani forces operate with impunity.”
A similar incident was reported by Sadia Baloch, a Baloch leader and member of the BYC. In a post on X, she mentioned, “Today State agencies and FC opened fire thrice on our peaceful caravan while we were marching from Quetta to Gawadar for the Baloch Raaji Muchi. We were stopped and beaten multiple times by the FC and agencies on the route. As we finally reached Mastung Chowk through all hurdles, FC fired the tyres of all our vehicles while we were on them.”
Sadia further mentioned that the Pakistani defence forces opened fire on the peaceful participants, resulting in severe injuries to 15 people, four of whom are in critical condition. Currently, a sit-in protest is ongoing at Mastung Chowk against the state’s brutal use of power on people practicing their right to peaceful politics.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch People -: Baloch people are an ethnic group from the Balochistan region, which spans parts of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. They have their own language and culture.
Frontier Corps -: The Frontier Corps is a paramilitary force in Pakistan. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, especially in border areas.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It is the largest province by area and has a significant Baloch population.
Mastung district -: Mastung is a district in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is known for its diverse population and cultural heritage.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that works to support and unite Baloch people. They often report on issues affecting the Baloch community.
Exiled Baloch leaders -: Exiled Baloch leaders are Baloch people who have left their home country, often due to political reasons. They continue to speak out about issues affecting their community from abroad.
Sadia Baloch -: Sadia Baloch is a leader from the Baloch community. She is known for her activism and efforts to highlight the struggles of the Baloch people.
Sit-in protest -: A sit-in protest is a form of peaceful protest where people sit in a specific place to show their disagreement with something. It is a way to draw attention to their cause.
Mastung Chowk -: Mastung Chowk is a public square in the Mastung district of Balochistan. It is a common place for gatherings and protests.